Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, and in 2023 the listing was extended to the neighbouring Cat Ba archipelago. The bay holds close to two thousand limestone islands and rocks, cloaked in green above emerald water, some hiding large caves.

The best way to see it is a cruise of one or two nights on a fine ship, moving between the islands and stopping at caves and small beaches, with kayaking or wooden boats among the floating fishing villages.

Ha Long is about two and a half hours from Hanoi by expressway, and ships leave from harbours near Ha Long city. The bay pairs well with the quieter Lan Ha Bay near Cat Ba island.

The best months are March to May and September to November, when the sky is clear and the sea calm. In winter, mist can wrap the islands in a dreamlike haze.